Key facts

Integrated remote audits

Preferred Government Supplier

Ministry of Oil and Ministry of Electronics

Triple

Certification to three major standards

ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certification

Client challenge

Alak Misk & Misnaf was established in 2010 as a joint venture between the Imisk Group and Rayanat Group. Headquartered in Baghdad, Alak Misk & Misnaf has a network of offices and innovative terminals across the region, supported by an experienced QHSE qualified team. As an affiliate of the regional transport leader, Misnak, Alak Misk & Misnaf draws on 40 years’ sector experience.

They provide project logistics and port operations services to oil, gas and energy projects in Iraq. They are the preferred partner for the Iraqi Ministry of Oil and Ministry of Electricity. Our client aims to deliver the best solutions for specific logistics demands. These include customs clearance, tracking, storage and cargo transportation services. Alak Misk & Misnaf is also focused on offering the flexibility and innovation needed for the region’s most challenging projects. Providing a safe, cost effective, environmentally friendly and timely service are all critical.

Maintaining certification to ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environmental) and OHSAS 18001 (occupational health and safety) is a key part of Alak Misk & Misnaf’s strategy to align its operations and vision. The ultimate objective is utmost customer satisfaction alongside meeting local and international rules and regulations. As part of an international group, the management systems that come with these standards also help address stakeholder requirements, giving confidence that continual improvement is being achieved.

Alak Misk & Misnaf required independent, third-party certification and asked us to help. The project’s scope spanned their offices across the region and a diverse workforce, comprising Turkish, Syrian, British and Iraqi employees. Audits would also need to be performed remotely, calling for a pioneering approach.

How we helped

To meet the needs of clients where it is not possible for an assessor to access the site, we have developed new processes and procedures, approved by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

For Alak Misk & Misnaf, replicating the atmosphere of a live site visit was a particular priority. Our solution used computer assisted auditing techniques (CAAT), supported by access to documents online and a local auditor. Ahead of the remote audit, our involvement included preparing detailed plans with a local auditor and legal expert, attending on site. It was integral to the project’s success that contingency plans, from access to confidentiality and liability issues, covered every eventuality. Following the audit, we carried out the necessary technical review.

This project also benefited from input from the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), who we consulted on our solution.

Insight & Client feedback

Group QHSE Director for Alak Misk & Misnaf, Oğuz Baş, explained how the company got ready for the remote audit: “We prepared in much the same way as for a site visit with the collective effort of all departments. Our assessor, Çağan Mesçi, was in regular contact with us before the audit to ensure that the necessary infrastructure was in place and he reassured us by detailing precisely how the audit would be undertaken.

“It took a while to get used to the video session, but then we enjoyed it and the questions came across very clearly. In the end, it didn’t feel different to a regular audit as everything had been planned and executed to ensure a professional audit atmosphere.

“That we had two assessors on our audit, added value for us. Our local auditor had a broad experience in local laws and regulations, so we have learnt a lot about how to approach certain issues. Having a video recording also helps assure the quality of the audit.”

Client feedback

“We chose to work with Lloyd’s Register due to its professional approach and its reputation among our clients. Our auditor, Çağan Mesçi, demonstrates true professionalism and adds value to Alak Misk & Misnaf’s management systems.”

Oğuz Baş

Group QHSE Director, Alak Misk & Misnaf

Powerful results

Our remote audit and rigorous technical review ensured that the outcomes were held to the same high standards as for on-site audits. Alak Misk and Misnaf was awarded certification to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001, the first company to achieve this with our pioneering, remote audit service.